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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Yamba (NSW) is $990k, with units at $758k. House values have moved 4.0% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Yamba (NSW) has an estimated 7,317 residents, up from 6,405 at the 2021 Census — a change of 912 people, or 14.2%. Growth has averaged 2.5% a year over five years, faster than 83% of areas nationally. 807 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 72.0% of that increase. That puts 433 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of May 2026, the suburb of Yamba (NSW) has an estimated population of approximately 7,317, according to an analysis of ABS updates and recent address validations by AreaSearch. Compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 6,405 residents, this represents an addition of 912 people, or a 14.2% expansion. The calculation builds on a resident count of 7,188 estimated by AreaSearch using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population release, combined with an extra 807 validated new addresses post-Census. With a density of 433 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers ample space per resident and potential for future expansion.
The 14.2% rate of growth since the 2021 census outpaced both the broader SA4 region at 4.6% and the Rest of NSW, positioning the suburb of Yamba (NSW) as a regional growth leader. This population rise was largely fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 72.0% of the total demographic gains in recent times. For future planning, AreaSearch applies the 2024 population projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as their starting point, or the 2022 NSW State Government SA2 projections starting from 2021 where necessary. Projected age cohort growth rates from these sources are extended to cover the years 2032 through 2041. Future expectations point to a population rise for the suburb of Yamba (NSW) that sits just under the median for regional parts of Australia, with projections indicating an increase of 872 individuals by 2041, translating to a total growth of 10.2% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
568 new dwellings have been approved in Yamba (NSW) over the past five years, an average of 113 a year. That places the area in the 87th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 15 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 132 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 89% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 223, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of statistical area building approvals indicates Yamba has averaged approximately 113 approved dwellings annually, totaling 568 home approvals over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, alongside 205 approvals during FY-26 so far. Market demand and supply appear closely aligned, yielding stable conditions, with an average of 1.5 new residents arriving for every finished dwelling during the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25. The average expected construction cost for new dwellings sits at $513,000, pointing to a focus by developers on upmarket, premium properties. In addition, commercial development approvals total $3.3 million for the current financial year, suggesting a quiet commercial development sector.
Of the housing built recently, standalone houses comprised 89.0% and multi-unit dwellings made up 11.0%, preserving the low-density neighborhood feel with spacious options suited for families. With roughly 36 residents per approved dwelling, Yamba displays signs of an expanding area. Long-term forecasts suggest Yamba will add 743 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent quarterly estimates. At current construction rates, new housing volume is expected to easily accommodate this demand, supporting buyers and potentially allowing growth to exceed current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Yamba (NSW)
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 21 current infrastructure and development projects inside Yamba (NSW), worth an estimated $370 million. A further 52 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.07 billion. 16 are already under construction and 26 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and development updates are key drivers of regional outcomes. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Main projects include the West Yamba Shopping Centre, Yamba Heights Residential Subdivision, Yamba Quays Canal Estate Development, and the Yamba Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Yamba Quays Canal Estate Development
Masterplanned waterfront canal estate comprising 136 residential lots, including 107 waterfront lots with direct boating access to the Clarence River and Pacific Ocean. Stage 3A lots have been released and Stage 4 continues to be marketed with civil works progressing. The development includes canals, public open space and low-density residential housing.
West Yamba Neighbourhood Centre
Planned local neighbourhood centre within the West Yamba Urban Release Area, intended to provide convenience retail, cafe, service and community uses for the growing West Yamba residential catchment. Clarence Valley Council planning controls identify the centre near the existing Carrs Drive school, at Lot 46 DP 751395 on the Miles Street and Carrs Drive corner. The wider 52-54 Miles Street Yamba subdivision includes 277 low density residential lots plus a 2000 sqm lot intended for future commercial development.The subdivision was refused by the regional panel in 2024, then taken to the NSW Land and Environment Court; recent reporting indicates the appeal was upheld in 2026 subject to detailed conditions, including flood refuge and hydrology requirements. The commercial neighbourhood centre itself still appears to require a separate development application for buildings and operation.
Clifton Yamba
Clifton Yamba is a modern over-55s land lease lifestyle resort community comprising 146 designer homes. The masterplanned development features premium resident amenities including a clubhouse, swimming pool, bowling green, gym, cinema, and outdoor recreation facilities.
Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove
Boutique over-50s land lease lifestyle resort at Yamba Cove by Palm Lake Group, planned around 78 owner-occupied homes and the Vantage Country Club. The project includes single and double-storey coastal homes, gated living, resort bus, heated magnesium pool and spa, Milon gym, yoga and reformer pilates studio, sauna, steam room, movie theatre, library, billiards, art and pottery areas, virtual golf and outdoor recreation. The Vantage Country Club opened in July 2024, while home sales and staged delivery continue with completion advertised for January 2026.
Ngaru Village Subdivision (Yamba)
Formalisation and upgrade of Ngaru Village through a Roads to Home subdivision creating ~34 residential lots with new public roads and significant upgrades to stormwater, sewer, water, electrical and NBN infrastructure, plus traffic calming and landscaping.
Yamba Heights Residential Subdivision
New residential subdivision creating 89 lots on elevated land with ocean and river views. Development includes road infrastructure, stormwater management and landscaping. Premium residential opportunity.
Yamba Marina Tourist Facility
Redevelopment of the shore-based assets across 2.5 hectares to create a major tourist destination. The project includes a 100-room tourist facility with a hotel and stand-alone accommodation, as well as increased berthing facilities catering for super-yachts.
Golding Street Townhouse Development
Development of 16 three-storey townhouses on flood-prone land with subdivision into two lots, each townhouse featuring double garage, open-plan living, and three bedrooms with ensuites.
2,706 residents of Yamba (NSW) are employed, from a labour force of 2,769. Unemployment sits at 2.3%, with participation at 44.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 6,112, about 84% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is characterized by a strong presence of essential services, with an unemployment rate sitting at 2.3% and local jobs growing by an estimated 2.9% over the past year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 2,706, while the jobless rate was 1.8 percentage points lower than the 4.1% average for Regional NSW. However, labor force participation is low, standing at 44.5% compared to the 60.6% recorded across Regional NSW. Census data showed a modest 15.3% of workers operating from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.
Accommodation & food services, health care & social assistance, and retail trade serve as the primary sources of employment for local residents. The area shows a distinct concentration in accommodation & food services, where the employment proportion is 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 2.7% of local employment, which is lower than the 5.3% regional average. The balance between local census workers and resident workers suggests that nearby employment opportunities are somewhat limited. According to analysis of SALM and ABS figures aggregated across wider regions, employment expanded by 2.9% and the labor force grew by 2.6% in the year ending March 2026, leading to a 0.3 percentage point drop in unemployment. During the same timeframe, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 0.9% and labor force shrink by 0.4%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 compiled by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context when mapped to the local industry profile. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary across different sectors. Projecting these trends onto the local workforce distribution suggests Yamba's employment could rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Yamba (NSW) is $1,106 a week (about $58,000 a year), with median personal income at $602 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $41,409 a year against an average of $53,581. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode data from the ATO for the 2023 financial year indicates that Yamba residents earn less than the national average, with median earnings at $41,409 and average earnings at $53,581. This is lower than the Regional NSW median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current local estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $45,682 for the median and $59,111 for the average. Based on the 2021 Census, local household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally.
The most common weekly earning band is $800 - 1,499, containing 29.5% of the population (2,158 individuals), which differs from the regional trend where the $1,500 - 2,999 band is most common at 29.9%. Affordability is a major challenge, as residents retain only 83.5% of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the 9th national percentile and the 4th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Yamba (NSW) had 2,783 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 76% detached houses and 6% apartments. 18% are owned with a mortgage, 28% rented and 53% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,630 a month. Rent absorbs 36.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 34.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the last Census, the local housing mix consisted of 75.5% separate houses and 24.5% semi-detached, apartment, or other dwelling types, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other structures in Regional NSW. Home ownership was higher than the regional average, with 53.3% of properties owned outright, while 18.4% were mortgaged and 28.3% were rented. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,630 was lower than the regional median of $1,733, whereas the median weekly rent of $400 was higher than the regional figure of $330. Compared to national averages, Yamba's mortgage payments are below the Australian median of $1,863, while weekly rents exceed the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Yamba (NSW) counted 2,783 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 3,179 today, averaging 2.1 people each. 17% are couples with children, fewer than in 93% of areas nationally, against 39% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 65.4% of households, consisting of couples with no children at 38.7%, couples with children at 16.6%, and single parent families at 9.4%. Single person households represent 31.5% of the total, with group homes at 3.1%, bringing total non-family households to 34.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, below the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.8% of adults in Yamba (NSW) hold a university qualification, including 14.1% with a bachelor degree and 3.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 28.2% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 465 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,024 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region shows lower rates of higher education, with university qualification levels at 19.8% compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. Among these, bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, with postgraduate degrees at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational education is common, with 39.5% of residents aged 15 and over holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 28.2%. A total of 21.8% of residents are enrolled in study. This group includes 8.7% in primary school, 5.5% in high school, and 2.1% attending university or college.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Yamba (NSW) reaches 42 stops on 29 routes, timetabled for about 350 services a week. The typical home sits about 260 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
There are 42 active transport stops in Yamba, providing a combination of ferry and bus services. These stops support 29 separate routes that offer 348 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is good, with residents living an average of 258 meters from their nearest stop. Most workers commute out of the area, with 87% traveling by car, 9% walking, and 3% cycling. Average car ownership is 1.1 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A total of 15.3% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data which may reflect pandemic conditions.
Transit services average 49 runs per day across all routes, which averages to approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
57.6% of residents in Yamba (NSW) report no long-term health condition. 8.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses, health markers are below average, with typical health issues present in both younger and older age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is low at 48% of the population (~3,525 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent health issues are arthritis and mental health disorders, affecting 14.1% and 7.8% of residents. A total of 57.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Chronic conditions are higher than average among working-age individuals.
Seniors aged 65 and over make up 37.7% of the population (2,758 people), compared to 23.4% regionally, with health profiles in this group generally matching national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Yamba (NSW) is largely Australian-born, at 86.8% of residents, with 3.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.7%) and Australian (29.1%). 3.4% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is below average, with 86.8% of the population born in Australia, 90.5% holding citizenship, and 96.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion at 54.4%, compared to 55.9% in Regional NSW. The primary ancestries reported are English at 33.7%, Australian at 29.1%, and Irish at 10.2%. There are variations in other groups, with Scottish ancestry at 9.8% compared to 8.0% regionally, Welsh at 0.7% compared to 0.5%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% compared to 4.6% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Yamba (NSW) is 56, older than 98% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 16.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Yamba is 56 years, which is older than the Regional NSW median of 43 and the national average of 38. Residents aged 65 - 74 represent 19.1% of the population, compared to 9.4% nationally, while those aged 25 - 34 make up only 7.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 7.4% to 8.7% and the 35 to 44 bracket increased from 9.3% to 10.4%, while the 55 to 64 group fell from 14.9% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest the 85+ cohort will grow by 64%, adding 225 residents to reach 577, while the 65 to 74 group is expected to decrease by 3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Yamba (NSW)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 21 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 807 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,405 at the 2021 Census → 7,317 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL14476). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.